Prague: City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour & Optional Boat Tour

Exploring Prague’s charming streets and iconic landmarks can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to see everything in a short time. That’s where a hop-on hop-off bus tour comes in handy, offering a relaxed way to get your bearings while visiting top sights like Prague Castle, Old Town Square, and the Jewish Quarter. The addition of an optional river cruise promises a serene perspective of the city from the water — a lovely bonus if you want a more leisurely experience.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its flexibility. You can hop on and off at your own convenience, explore at your own pace, and even upgrade to include a river cruise for a scenic break from the busy streets. That said, some travelers have noted issues with bus size and scheduling, so it’s not perfect for everyone. This experience will suit those who enjoy independent exploration with guided commentary and are comfortable with some logistical quirks.

Whether you’re in Prague for a quick layover or a longer stay, this tour offers good value—especially with the 24- or 48-hour tickets that let you spread out your sightseeing. If you love discovering cities from a double-decker bus, or want an easy way to see the highlights without the hassle of constant navigation, this is a solid choice, with a few caveats.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing: Hop-on, hop-off at multiple stops around Prague, with tickets valid for 24 or 48 hours.
• Multilingual commentary: Learn about the city’s history through audio guides in 25 languages.
• Multiple routes: Two different lines (blue and red) cover major districts, offering diverse perspectives.
• Optional boat cruise: Enhance your experience with a 1-hour river trip (seasonal), offering a peaceful view of Prague from the water.
• Accessible options: Only the double-decker red route is accessible for wheelchairs.
• Mixed reviews on bus size and scheduling: Some visitors found buses crowded and schedules tight, especially in winter months.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The Itinerary and Stops

This tour is designed to maximize your time in Prague without the stress of planning every detail. The blue line takes you past key sights like the Wenceslas Square, Dancing House, Malostranske namesti, and Prague Castle. The red line connects the Main Train Station, takes you past St. Vitus’s Cathedral, and loops around other important spots like Strahov Monastery and Petrin Gardens.

Each stop is strategically placed near major attractions, but you’re free to disembark and explore for as long as you wish. For instance, the Prague Castle stop is a highlight—offering striking views of the city and a chance to visit the historic complex on your own schedule. The Old Town Square is another must-see, located conveniently on the route, giving you access to the heart of Prague’s lively atmosphere.

What to Expect on the Bus

The buses are open-top in good weather, providing ample opportunity for photos. Inside, you’ll find audio commentary in 25 languages, offering historical tidbits and fun facts. However, some reviews mentioned that the audio equipment sometimes falls behind or gets out of sync, which can be frustrating when trying to connect the narration with what you see.

The buses run about every 30 minutes on the blue route and every hour on the red, which is decent but not overly frequent. Expect to wait up to 30 minutes for the next bus during off-peak times, and longer during busy periods or in winter. Notably, only the double-decker red route has wheelchair accessibility, a consideration for travelers with mobility needs.

The Bus Experience: Pros and Cons

Many reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, especially during the live commentary segments. One reviewer, Simeon, highlighted a guide named Tomas, who was “really enthusiastic and knowledgeable,” especially about the Prague Castle area. Others appreciated the friendly staff and the punctuality of service.

On the downside, some visitors found the buses to be crowded, especially the smaller blue buses, which may limit comfort during peak hours. A few also noted that the bus size was a problem in narrow city streets, and that waiting for the next bus could be lengthy if the schedule didn’t align perfectly. As one reviewer mentioned, the small buses are in the city center—which is understandable given narrow streets—but it can leave you waiting longer than expected.

The River Cruise: A Lovely Addition

If you choose the upgrade, the 1-hour boat cruise offers a peaceful alternative to busy streets, with chairs and tables onboard. It’s more than just a ride; it’s a chance to relax and enjoy views of Prague’s skyline. During peak season (April to September), departures are every 30 minutes from Pier 3, and the experience is generally well-reviewed — “a lovely cruise up and down the river,” according to a traveler.

The walk from bus stops to the river quay is about 15 minutes, which some found a bit of a trek, especially on cold days. During off-peak seasons (October to March), the cruise runs less frequently but still offers a beautiful 55-minute experience.

The Cost and Value

At $34 per person, this tour offers reasonable value, especially if you’re planning to explore over two days. The multi-route system and audio guides enrich your sightseeing, and the boat cruise is an excellent bonus. Nevertheless, some reviews pointed out that timing and scheduling can be tricky, and you might find yourself waiting or rushing if you’re trying to connect between routes.

While the tour doesn’t include attraction entry tickets, it’s a convenient way to get an overview. You’ll get a broad sense of the city’s layout, helping you decide which sights to revisit on foot or with separate tours.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Start early: The first departure from the blue route is at 9:37 am, and the red route begins at 10:35 am. Arriving early maximizes your day.
• Plan your route: Since buses are less frequent in winter, choosing which route to prioritize helps avoid missing key sights.
• Book in advance: Tickets are flexible with free cancellation if you need to adjust plans.
• Be prepared for crowds: The small blue buses can fill quickly during busy times, so early boarding increases your chances of a comfortable ride.
• Consider the walk: The walk to the river cruise from bus stops can be longer than expected; wear comfortable shoes.
• Upgrade for the cruise: If a water view is appealing, investing in the boat option adds a relaxed perspective of Prague’s beauty.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This hop-on hop-off tour is ideal for travelers who want an easy, flexible way to see Prague’s major sights without the hassle of navigating public transport or walking long distances. If you value guided commentary and appreciate the option to explore at your own pace, you’ll find it worthwhile. The extra boat cruise is a thoughtful touch, especially on nice days, but isn’t essential for enjoying the city.

It’s also suitable for those who are okay with some logistical imperfections—like crowded buses or waiting times—and are looking for value for money. Travelers with mobility needs should opt for the double-decker red line, as only that route is wheelchair accessible.

Who Might Want to Skip It

If you prefer customized tours, private guides, or are traveling with a very large group, this might not be the best fit. Also, if you’re seeking in-depth historical tours or exclusive access to attractions, you’ll need additional activities beyond this sightseeing pass.

Final Thoughts

This Prague HOHO bus tour, combined with an optional river cruise, offers a practical, enjoyable way to get an overview of the city at your own pace. It’s particularly well-suited for visitors wanting flexibility without sacrificing commentary or scenic views. While some logistical hiccups, like bus crowding and schedule gaps, have been noted, many travelers appreciate the friendly guides, stunning city vistas, and value-packed experience.

If you enjoy sightseeing on your own terms, love panoramic city views, and don’t mind a walk or waiting around for buses, this tour can be a highlight of your Prague trip. Just plan ahead, arrive early, and consider upgrading for the water cruise — it really does add something special.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
You can choose a 24- or 48-hour ticket, giving you plenty of flexibility to explore over two days.

Where do I start the tour?
Start at the City Sightseeing Kiosk at Namesti Republiky 1037/3 in Nove Mesto, where you’ll get your tickets and route info.

Are the buses accessible for wheelchairs?
Only the Red Route buses are wheelchair accessible, so plan accordingly if needed.

How often do the buses run?
Blue line buses depart every 30 minutes, while red line buses run once an hour, which is decent but requires some patience.

Is the audio commentary available in my language?
Yes, in 25 languages including English, Spanish, Czech, French, German, and many more.

Does the ticket include attraction entry?
No, the ticket covers only transportation and commentary. Entry fees for sights like Prague Castle are separate.

What’s the walk to the river cruise like?
It’s about 15 minutes from the bus stops to Pier 3 on the Vltava River, so wear comfortable shoes if you’re planning to add the cruise.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving you flexible planning options.

This tour offers a practical way to get your bearings, see Prague’s highlights, and enjoy a scenic water perspective — ideal for travelers who value convenience, informative guides, and a touch of relaxation amid their sightseeing.